VMware vCenter Server is the universal hub for managing your VMware vSphere environment. vCenter Server provides unified management of all hosts and virtual machines in a datacenter from a single console. vCenter Server allows administrators to improve control, simplify day-to-day tasks and reduce the complexity and cost of managing an IT environment.

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General

Category:

Utilities

Subcategory:

Utilities - virtualization management

Header

Brand:

VMware

Compatibility:

PC

Manufacturer:

VMware GSA

Model:

Foundation for vSphere

Packaged Quantity:

1

Product Line:

VMware vCenter Server

Licensing

License Pricing:

Federal government , Volume

Licensing Details:

U.S. Federal only

Pricing Level:

Level 2

Pricing Range:

600-999

Software

License Category:

License

License Qty:

Up to 3 hosts

License Type:

License

Licensing Program:

VMware Transactional Purchasing Program (TPP)

Version:

4

Product Reviews

Rated 4.3 out of 5 by 3reviewers.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Benedict Rosner One of the benefits is that you can deploy a virtual machine and any environment you want in seconds. Valuable Features:One of the most valuable features of vCenter is the high availability feature so we can have basically one of the out warehouse to DIMS and all of our important VMs are still running.Improvements to My Organization:One of the benefits is that you can just deploy a virtual machine and any environment you want in seconds.Room for Improvement:I guess all the features I'd like to see of future releases are being announced for version 6.1. All my needs are satisfied right now.Use of Solution:We're using VMware vCenter based on ESX for virtualization. For our development teams, we're using VMware Player as well as Workstation.Stability Issues:In terms of stability, we didn't have any problems yet so it's basically rock solid.Scalability Issues:Scalability, you can just add hosts to the vSphere solution for whatever you need.Technical Support:We haven't had to use tech support yet because the solution just runs.Previous Solutions:We knew that we needed to go for virtualization because there was this big messy server wreck with all those bare metal old servers in there. It was just crazy in terms of service. We switched to virtualization, now we're good to go.Initial Setup:The initial setup was pretty easy. I mean, I guess, we have a pretty small environment but we had a few problems with upgrading. But those were solved by our partners.Other Solutions Considered:We didn't consider any other vendors because all the other vendors didn't have the great support and the great features that you can expect from VMware.Other Advice:We didn't have any problems. If you're starting to use vSphere solutions, I guess the first thing you should do is check hardware compatibility list to make sure that all your hardware is going to be compatible with your software. After that, if you run into any problems, just check the VMware knowledge base. Basically all the information you'd need is in there.Disclaimer: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions. November 1, 2015

Rated 4 out of 5 by SysAdmin935 With vMotion, High Availability, and Distributed Resource Scheduler, we're able to administer hardware resources in a better way. But, it could use better DRS-friendly functions. Valuable Features:I'd say vMotion, High Availability, and Distributed Resource Scheduler, which have allowed us to administer hardware resources in a better way.Improvements to My Organization:With High Availability, we have had only one incident where one of the hosts failed, and the VMs were moved immediately. It took about four minutes to complete migration, thus affecting operations minimally.Room for Improvement:Reporting, and perhaps more DRS-friendly functions.Use of Solution:We've used it for almost three-and-a-half years, and previously we were using older versions, such as 2.0.Deployment Issues:No, but that is relative. Sometimes issues are raised eventually.Stability Issues:No, but it does become difficult to have a standardized infrastructure.Scalability Issues:No, but I guess cost is the main obstacle.Customer Service:So far, good service, but it's managed by our corporate office.Technical Support:It's good, but it is relative. I have been able to resolve many of our issues using the web.Previous Solutions:I used to manage an IBM solution - SAN with VMware technology.Initial Setup:It was complex, as the setup and management was not too friendly.Implementation Team:We used a vendor team and the expertise was good, but it could have been better.ROI:All I am able to say is that our SLAs have been achieved over the last two years.Cost and Licensing Advice:This depends on the particular scenarios. Ours is a big one, and requires full stability (Enterprise license). We manage four geographic areas (Mexico, China, Czech Republic and Brazil).Other Advice:Review the SLAs with customers and provide several options describing cost/benefits to them.Disclaimer: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions. July 29, 2015

Rated 4 out of 5 by Arjan Timmerman (vExpert) The web client could be improved. Features I like include: High Availability, DRS, SDRS, DvSwitch, NIOC. Valuable Features:High Availability, DRS, SDRS, DvSwitch, NIOCImprovements to My Organization:Better management of the virtual infrastructureRoom for Improvement:Web Client, SSOUse of Solution:1.5 yearsDeployment Issues:NoStability Issues:NoScalability Issues:YesDisclaimer: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:We are a VMware partner in the Netherlands May 16, 2015